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<p>No one should have to face long waits for an autism assessment. We expect services
to adhere to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) quality
standard which recommends that the length between referral and a first appointment
to start an assessment should be no more than three months.</p><p>We are determined
to drive up performance nationally. We will use data on autism diagnosis waiting times,
available for the first time later this year, to hold local areas to account and act
where waiting times exceed the NICE standard.</p><p>Whilst a diagnosis of autism should
happen as soon as possible, it is important to recognise that a diagnosis is often
complex and can involve different professionals and agencies. We are following the
prevailing clinical guidance set out by NICE.</p><p>NHS England and NHS Improvement
encourage local areas to follow existing NICE guidelines and quality standards when
commissioning and delivering diagnosis services for both children and adults.</p>
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